The Futures Project was founded in 1999 by the late Frank Newman, Ph.D. Prior to serving as president of the University of Rhode Island from 1974-1983, Frank led a task force for the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) and issued two reports (known as the Newman Reports) that sent shockwaves through the education community. After leaving URI, he accepted a presidential fellowship with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Frank served as president of the Education Commission of the States for 14 years, when he left to establish The Futures Project.

The Project has a two-pronged mission:
To stimulate an informed debate about the role of higher education in
our new global society, and the opportunities and dangers presented
by a global market for higher education.
To develop policies that ensure a skilled use of market forces to
maximize the opportunities while minimizing the dangers.

By conducting extensive research and analysis, publishing articles and giving presentations, and engaging key parties in discussion and debate, The Futures Project seeks to instigate positive change in the areas of access to education, academic quality, and accountability.

Our website includes information on our Pressure Points campaign, including position papers on our three key areas of focus, questions that should be asked of university administrators and public officials, and an extensive collection of publications. We invite you to become informed and involved in this critically important effort, and welcome your feedback.

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